Figures of Speech

“Rhythm is a soul’s companion” – Snap!

Rhythm connects us inextricably to the world. It’s everywhere – in our steps, in our language, in our emotions, in life itself. Since ancient times, when it served as a memory aid for reciting poetry, rhythm has been used to bring people together: from the chanting of monks to a folk dance cadence.

For her new creation, Figures of Speech, Femke Gyselinck forges family ties with brother and musician Lander Gyselinck. Lander performed at MOMO in 2024 as Lander & Adriaan. They once created a duet – the 2016 show Flamer – within which they reversed roles: with Femke as the drummer and Lander as the dancer. This time they invite seven dancers and four musicians on stage and they each set the rhythm for their own discipline. At a time when dance and culture are under pressure they make a bold statement committing to a group creation: ‘the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.’

In this performance, rhythm is much more than just a component of the music. It is the foundation on which music and dance come together. The patterns of sounds and silences aid in remembering and singing, playing, or drumming in a group. And together, they make the act of dancing possible.

“Femke Gyselinck is a choreographer to keep an eye on. Her ‘Letters 2 dance’ is elusively beautiful” – in De Standaard on Letters 2 Dance ★★★★

 “Unstoppable were these funkateers, with a set that proved that even erratic beats can get the Pukkelpop audience moving” – De Standaard on Lander & Adriaan ★★★★